Dog Dude Ranch Dog Care Guide

Boarding and daycare in Miami

A good stay starts with knowing what your dog needs and how their care will work. This guide explains boarding and daycare at Dog Dude Ranch in Miami, from supervised group play and comfortable rest rooms to first visits, food, health needs and getting here.

The Ranch is our home, on almost 3 fully fenced acres in Miami Horse Country. Six play parks, natural grass, trees, shade and room to explore are central to the experience. Dogs enjoy supervised, dog park-style group play, then return to their rooms for meals, rest and overnight sleep. Standard rooms are open-air with evaporative cooling and fans; a limited number of air-conditioned rooms serve dogs with special needs, subject to suitability and availability.

Start with the topic that matters most to your dog. Tell us about their favorite activities, daily routine, experience around other dogs and anything they find difficult. We can discuss a suitable introduction before you make plans.

Explore the guide

• Choosing boarding and daycare  Important questions to ask when choosing where to go.

• Playgroups and social comfort  Understand matching and signs of comfort.

• A day at the Ranch  Learn about play, rest, checks and cleaning.

• Private rooms and Miami weather  See how room design and cooling work.

• Preparing for a first visit  Plan the introduction and pack clearly.

• Meals medication and health needs  Prepare instructions and discuss care requirements.

• Transportation and booking questions  Arrange rides and confirm your reservation details.

A note about health and behavior

This guide explains Ranch services and offers general educational information. It does not replace individual advice from your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional. Please discuss health, medication and special accommodation needs before booking.

Choosing boarding and daycare

Choose care around your dog’s favorite activities and settings. The space, the other dogs, personal attention and the opportunity to rest all deserve a closer look.

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How do boarding and daycare differ

Daycare is a daytime visit; boarding includes an overnight stay. At Dog Dude Ranch, both include supervised group play in the daily rate, with rooms for meals and quiet rest. Boarding guests also sleep in their rooms overnight.

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Choose around the time you need covered and your dog’s experience away from home. Tell us whether you are planning regular daycare, a short trip or a longer stay so we can discuss the best introduction.

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What makes the Ranch setting so great and unique

Dog Dude Ranch is a family-run home and property on almost 3 fully fenced acres in Miami Horse Country. Dogs have natural grass, mature trees, shade and room to move, with six play parks and water activities. Priscilla Bakes and her family originally bred and showed horses; looking after friends’ and relatives’ dogs later grew into the Ranch’s dog-care business. Our goal is to let dogs be dogs: socializing with friends, exploring, playing and relaxing at their own pace under staff supervision.

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The owner and team members live on the property, with someone on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dogs receive affection and individual attention as part of their stay, not just activity time. Barn rooms provide space for feeding, naps and overnight rest, with neighboring dogs within sight and smell.

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How can I tell whether group care suits my dog

Dogs are social beings, and when they are not with you, the vast majority prefer to be with others than alone. You may be their familiar pack at home; at the Ranch, we help them ease into a new environment and get to know suitable companions. Some seek out play, some prefer a quieter friend and others like to watch before joining in.

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Our introductory daycare visit helps us get to know a new boarding guest. Share examples of how your dog responds to unfamiliar dogs, busy play and being away from home. A dog can feel differently in a new group than with a favorite friend. Use the visit to discuss what the team observes and whether this setting suits your dog’s needs.

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Which dogs can join group play

We screen dogs before they join the Ranch’s group environment and do not accept aggressive dogs. We welcome a range of breeds and sizes, but suitability is individual rather than automatic. Size, age, temperament and personality help us match companions, including separate spaces for very small and very large dogs.

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Tell us about behavior around dogs and people, any handling concerns and past incidents, even if they happened in a different setting. Honest detail helps us assess an appropriate care arrangement.

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What should I ask when comparing dog care providers

Give each provider the same information about your dog so you can compare the care they can actually offer. Ask:

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• Is the play surface natural grass or artificial turf, and how are shade, heat and cleanliness managed?

• How are dogs introduced, matched and supervised? What happens if a dog needs a quieter group or a break?

• How often do dogs go outside, and how much of the day is play, potty time or rest?

• Where will my dog eat and sleep? Can they see neighboring dogs while remaining safely separated so they don’t feel isolated or alone, or is there a wall separating them?

• How are rooms cooled with fresh air circulation to reduce germ spread or is it indoor airconditioned without fresh ventilation?

• Who is on the property overnight, and what checks and emergency arrangements are in place?

• How and how often are rooms cleaned, individual health observations recorded, and food or medication instructions handled?

• What are the full costs, arrival and pickup arrangements, and cancellation terms for my dates?

Related: Boarding and daycare  |  What makes us different  |  Get started  |  Back to the guide

A day at the Ranch

Our guests enjoy a balanced mix of playtime, rest, meals and affection under the watchful care of our team. Safety, comfort and fun guide how we adjust the day for each group.

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What does a typical day look like

The day includes four outdoor outings across morning and afternoon play sessions and dedicated potty breaks. Dogs return to their rooms for meals, naps and bedtime. The sequence below is a guide, not a guaranteed timetable; weather, the group and individual care needs can change the day.

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• 7 AM - Morning potty break

• 7:30 AM - Breakfast

• 8–10:30 AM - Morning playtime sessions

• 10:30 AM–1:30 PM - Midday nap

• 2 PM - Lunch

• 2–4 PM - Afternoon playtime sessions

• 5 PM - Third meal

• 5:30 PM - End-of-day potty break

• 6 PM - Bedtime

• 8 PM and 11 PM - Personal room checks

How much outdoor play will my dog get

In short, your pup will enjoy over 2 hours of outdoor dog park playtime each day to relax, run around or do whatever makes him happy. Of course, this will be adjusted for weather and individual needs. Dogs have scheduled morning and afternoon play, with time to run, explore, socialize or relax in the shade. Playtime is balanced with rest, meals and potty breaks. Ask the team about the current daily play schedule for your dog; outdoor activity is adjusted for Miami weather and individual needs.

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Who is on the property overnight

The Ranch is our home, and team members live on the property, so someone is with them 24/7 every single day. Staff can view cameras and personally perform room checks at 8 PM and 11 PM. Raised beds keep dogs off the floor if they need to use the bathroom in their rooms overnight.

Tell us before booking if your dog needs a particular overnight care arrangement for health reasons.

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How do you check each dog every day

We give dogs daily hands-on nose-to-tail checks and pay attention to their comfort, appetite and behavior. Share anything the team should watch for, including mobility changes, handling sensitivities or an existing care plan. These observations are part of daily care, not a substitute for a veterinary examination.

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How are the rooms and facilities cleaned

We clean and sanitize the rooms, beds, walls, aisles and floors twice each day using our pressure-wash process and Wysiwash sanitation products. The process reaches corners and crevices rather than relying on a quick surface wipe. According to the manufacturer, it kills viruses and bacteria, deodorizes odors and neutralizes mold, with effectiveness against Parvovirus, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. Its EPA-registered formula is designed for animal-care environments when used as directed, including removing animals during treatment and allowing treated areas to dry before they return.

The label requires these safety precautions alongside the product’s stated benefits. Wysiwash information · EPA label

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Please tell us about relevant skin sensitivities or other care concerns before arrival. Ask the team if you would like more detail about the cleaning routine or the products used in your dog’s accommodation.

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Related: What makes us different  |  Boarding and daycare  |  Contact the Ranch  |  Back to the guide

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Playgroups and social comfort

A useful conversation about group play goes beyond whether a dog likes other dogs. Size, temperament, energy level and the way a dog responds in the moment all matter.

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How are playgroups matched at Dog Dude Ranch

We match playgroups with size and temperament in mind and supervise the dogs during group play. Tell us how your dog likes to play, their energy level and their experience with other dogs. Include situations that have caused tension or discomfort.

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Specific details are useful: “She enjoys chase with dogs her size but avoids wrestling” tells us more than “She is friendly.” After the introductory visit, ask what the team noticed about your dog’s play preferences.

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What if my dog is shy or overwhelmed by other dogs

For shy dogs, we let them take it slowly while we gently help them build comfort and confidence. It is rewarding to watch a dog who once hung back begin to enjoy new friends. We do not expect every dog to become the party leader, and settling in takes a different amount of time for each dog.

While in the play groups, we are watching the dogs even for signs of anxiety. If a dog seems stressed by the group, we adjust the playgroup toward companions and energy levels that are a better fit and give the dog support and space. Tell us what you notice when your dog feels unsure and what has helped in previous boarding or daycare visits.

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What can relaxed or worried body language look like

General dog-care guidance: read the whole dog and the situation. A loose body and relaxed movement can indicate comfort. A lowered posture, tucked tail or attempts to move away can signal unease. A wagging tail alone does not tell you that a dog is happy.

Individual dogs differ. Notice changes from your dog’s usual behavior. Let a worried dog create distance rather than forcing a greeting. These observations help describe a moment; they do not diagnose a behavioral or medical problem.

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Further reading: Dogs Trust guide to dog body language; RSPCA guide to understanding dog behaviour

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Does my dog have to play constantly

Not at all. It is whatever your dog likes and prefers. Dog park-style play means outdoor group activity with room to move and interact under staff supervision. Some dogs enjoy running with friends; others prefer exploring or a relaxed break under a shady tree. We make room for different speeds and balance activity with meals, quiet rest and potty breaks.

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Tell us how your dog usually settles after activity. Understanding both play style and rest habits helps us get to know them.

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Will my dog have company when it is time to rest

Having a private room at Dog Dude Ranch does not mean being isolated like it does at other facilities. We work to help dogs find compatible friends and suitable companions, so while they are in their own private rooms, they remain within sight and next to but safely separated from those friends. Dogs in neighboring rooms can also see, smell and sense one another through the room dividers. The aim is comfortable rest with familiar company nearby.

Every dog has their own private room for meals, naps and overnight rest. Dogs share a room only when they belong to the same family and their family requests it. Dividers, not walls, separate each room while allowing dogs to see and smell their neighboring ranch buddies, so they can enjoy their own space without feeling isolated.

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Related: Boarding and daycare  |  Get started  |  Back to the guide

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Private Rooms and Miami Weather

Room design matters as much as play space. Here is how meals, rest and overnight accommodation fit into a Ranch stay, including the important cooling details.

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Where do dogs sleep and rest

Overnight guests rest in spacious barn rooms of approximately 32–48 square feet, with raised beds and fresh water. The rooms are used for meals, naps, quiet time and overnight sleep. Neighboring rooms are divided by see-and-smell-through fencing rather than solid walls. Dogs in separate rooms can stay aware of their friends while the room divider keeps their sleeping spaces apart.

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Private does not mean isolated. Dogs can enjoy personal space and the familiar presence of nearby companions; dogs share a room only when they belong to the same family and their family requests it. Even at rest, their Ranch friends are close by. Tell us about sleeping habits, mobility needs or difficulty settling near other dogs so we can discuss suitable accommodation.

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Are all the rooms air conditioned

Our standard rooms are open-air, cooled by evaporative cooling, misters, hallway fans and individual room fans. The main barn’s design supports continuous fresh-air movement and complements the Ranch’s indoor and outdoor lifestyle for the health of the dogs. These rooms are not fully enclosed and do not use refrigerated air conditioning very deliberately as was recommended by our veterinarians when we opened the ranch for dog care.

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We also have a limited number of fully enclosed, air-conditioned rooms in smaller areas, primarily for dogs with special needs. Depending on the individual dog and availability, these may accommodate certain seniors, flat-faced breeds or dogs with medical conditions that require additional cooling.

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Please discuss your dog’s cooling requirements with us before booking so we can determine whether suitable accommodation is available. Your veterinarian can advise on any specific medical needs.

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No cooling or ventilation system can guarantee that germs will not spread. Our cooling arrangements work alongside our cleaning procedures and daily care practices to support each dog’s comfort and well-being.

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How do you adjust the day when Miami gets hot

On especially hot days, outdoor play becomes shorter and gentler, shade is emphasized, and water and sprinkler activities increase. Dogs spend more time resting inside during the hottest part of the day. Our team adjusts the balance of activity and rest to the conditions and the dogs in our care.

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Our goal is to let dogs enjoy grass, trees, fresh air, water and appropriate exercise while keeping their individual comfort in view. If your dog has a medical requirement for air conditioning, please arrange the appropriate accommodation before booking. Tell us about heat sensitivity, breathing concerns or veterinary restrictions in advance.

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Do you have a pool

Instead of a pool, we prefer and use sprinklers as a healthy and safe option to give dogs a fun, refreshing way to cool off on hot Miami days. Your pup can splash, run through the water or simply enjoy a refreshing sprinkle without needing to swim.

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This avoids a communal pool where dogs share the same swimming water. Pools require careful cleaning and disinfection to control germs, and chlorine can irritate some dogs’ skin. Sprinklers let us offer enjoyable water play without a shared swimming pool or its chemical treatments.

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Water play is one part of keeping our ranch guests comfortable, alongside shady trees, fresh drinking water, rest breaks and adjustments for the weather and each dog’s needs. The goal is happy dogs enjoying the outdoors at their own pace.

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What happens during thunderstorms

We carefully monitor Miami’s weather using our nearby school audible alarm and the WeatherBug Lightning Alert. While dogs enjoy playing in a light sprinkle with no lightning or thunder nearby, as soon as lightning is within 10 miles, we transition to indoor time. We use calming music to help keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed. For dogs with noise sensitivities, please discuss an individualized comfort plan with us before boarding. Any medication or calming product must be reviewed in advance, with clear owner authorization and the dog’s veterinarian’s directions where appropriate. Tell us if thunder or loud noises worry your dog, what their reaction looks like and whether your veterinarian has prescribed a care plan. Discuss any agreed medication before the stay so the team has clear directions.

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Can dogs from the same household stay together

Dogs from the same family can share accommodation when their family requests it. Tell us your preference when booking, including whether you would prefer separate rooms, and confirm the arrangement before the stay.

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Share differences in meal instructions, activity needs or rest habits. Mention food guarding or times your dogs should be apart, even if they usually enjoy each other’s company. Meals are managed individually.

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Related: Boarding and daycare  |  Contact the Ranch  |  Back to the guide

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Preparing for a first visit

A little preparation makes the handoff clearer. Arrange the introductory visit, keep care instructions simple and make sure the team has the information that matters.

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How do I start planning a first boarding stay

Arrange a complimentary introductory daycare visit before your dog’s first boarding stay. The visit lets us meet your dog and gives you a chance to ask about playgroups, rooms and the daily routine. Confirm the visit’s length and scheduling with the team.

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Start before your travel date so there is time to review fit, vaccination records and special care requirements. First-time boarding guests complete this introduction before their overnight stay.

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What should I pack for boarding

Bring your dog’s usual food and any agreed medication. We provide bedding and toys, so personal beds, blankets and toys are not needed. Ask before bringing a special comfort item. For a stay longer than a week, pack the first week’s meals separately; additional food for the remaining days may come in a separate container to replenish the kitchen supply.

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Use this packing and check-in checklist:

• If your dog’s vaccination records have recently been updated, or this is your first visit, send current records before the visit.

• Label and pre-portion the first week of meals; separate wet or refrigerated food.

• Bring agreed medication in original containers with clear directions.

• Confirm arrival, pickup, emergency contacts and any changes to the care plan.

• For Ranch transportation, have your dog in a comfortable harness rather than only a collar.

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What information should I share before arrival

Share your dog’s usual meals, appetite, rest habits and experience around other dogs. Include allergies, current medication, mobility limitations, handling sensitivities and health or behavior concerns that affect care.

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Confirm your contact, backup contact and veterinary details with the team. Written directions should match what you discuss. Let us know if anything changes before arrival so the care plan stays current.

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How can I prepare a dog who worries about being away

We have had the joy of seeing so many dogs who come for their first time with shyness or separation anxiety and who go home as joyful, happy, playful dogs. Start by telling us how your dog has reacted to previous separations, when their worries begin and what has helped. Your dog’s introductory visit gives us time to discuss those observations, meet your pup firsthand and begin helping them feel comfortable at the ranch.

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With 16 years of hands-on experience, we have developed a specific welcome process for new dogs, especially those whose owners describe separation anxiety. In our experience, many begin to come out of their shells after their owners leave, when their attention can shift from staying close to their family to exploring and meeting new friends.

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Many owners arrive worried about how their dog will cope. We’ve seen many of those dogs relax and have a wonderful time as we carefully help them settle into ranch life. We’ve had success even with very shy and introverted dogs, giving them time to build confidence while finding companions who suit their personality.

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A calm introduction, patient attention and the right companions can make all the difference.

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Can I visit the Ranch and ask questions before booking

Yes, please! We welcome you and your dog for a tour, which includes a free daycare day for your dog to have a full day of getting comfortable and getting to know us on their own. Contact us to arrange a tour and an introductory daycare visit before an overnight stay. A tour lets you see the setting and discuss playgroups, rooms, meals and rest with the team. Bring your dog’s routine and the care requirements that matter most to you. Start through Get Started or contact the Ranch to plan the next step.

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Related: Get started  |  Contact the Ranch  |  Back to the guide

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Meals, medication, and health needs

Bring familiar food and practical written directions. Tell us about individual needs early so you can confirm what care is available before your stay.

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How are meals handled at the Ranch

Bring your dog’s usual food, with the first week’s dry meals individually labeled and pre-portioned for morning and evening feeding. Do not send the first week in a bulk bin. Dogs are fed individually in their rooms, and the team records how much each dog eats. Pack wet or refrigerated food separately with clear feeding instructions. We cannot accommodate raw-meat diets.

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Include the amount per meal, schedule and any agreed additions or restrictions. Wet food, cans and refrigerated items should be separate from dry portions. For stays longer than a week, a separate container for the remaining days can be stored to replenish the kitchen supply. Tell us about allergies, appetite concerns and any food guarding before arrival.

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Should I pack extra food

Pack at least 1.5 times your dog’s usual food supply so there is extra available for an active stay. This is a packing allowance, not an automatic instruction to increase every meal by 50 percent. Label the normal serving size and provide clear feeding directions.

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Puppies and young dogs under two may have different energy needs or a three-meal routine. Discuss any change with your veterinarian and the Ranch before arrival; the food supplied and the instructions should agree.

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Can you accommodate seniors or dogs with special needs

We have dedicated areas and care options for some seniors and dogs with special needs, subject to suitability and availability. Share exercise limits, mobility needs, medication timing and cooling requirements before booking. Some dogs may need the limited air-conditioned accommodation or a different level of care than we can provide.

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Medication needs can extend beyond public opening hours, but every timing and care requirement must be agreed with the team in advance. On-site staffing does not by itself mean that any medical procedure or continuous monitoring can be provided.

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Can the team give my dog medication

Our team can administer most oral and topical medications. Discuss them before booking and bring each medication in its original container with clear directions. Confirm the timing and any handling requirements with the team.

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If your dog needs more complex care, review the full plan with us before reserving. Your prescribing veterinarian should provide medication directions and any changes to them. We will confirm which needs we can accommodate before you reserve.

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What vaccinations are required

Rabies, Distemper/DAPPVL and Bordetella vaccinations must be current during your dog’s stay. Send the records before the visit so the team can review them. Your veterinarian can email records to info@dogduderanchmiami.com. For a young puppy, senior dog or individual health concern, speak with your veterinarian and contact us before booking.

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Plan vaccinations ahead of the stay with your veterinarian rather than leaving them to the last minute; our FAQ recommends a couple of weeks ahead. Confirm any admission timing with the team. Tell us promptly about new illness or symptoms, including changes after a reservation is made. We can then review whether the planned visit is appropriate.

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What risks should I understand about group care

Supervised group play involves activity and contact with other dogs. Scrapes, cuts, bites or abrasions can occur even when aggressive dogs are excluded. Outdoor stays can also involve insect bites, stomach upsets, reduced appetite or respiratory illness. Some injuries or symptoms may not be noticed immediately, or may appear after a dog goes home.

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The team uses supervision, vaccination checks, fresh drinking water, pest control, safety checks and practiced emergency procedures. Daily nose-to-tail inspections help us look for changes, but no group setting can promise that every injury or illness will be prevented or immediately detected.

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What happens if my dog needs veterinary care

If a dog needs urgent veterinary attention, our team seeks care and contacts the owner or emergency contact as soon as possible. Keep those contact details current and discuss known health concerns before the stay.

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Our current FAQ states that the Ranch does not pay veterinary charges associated with the injuries or illnesses described there. Review the current booking paperwork for emergency-care authorization and responsibility for veterinary costs before reserving. If your dog needs ongoing medical monitoring or specialized care, confirm a suitable arrangement with your veterinarian before choosing boarding.

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What should I watch for after my dog comes home

An active stay may leave a dog ready for rest, but do not dismiss unusual lethargy, reduced appetite, pain or other symptoms as simply being tired. Contact your veterinarian about concerning or persistent changes, and tell the Ranch what you have noticed.

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Let us know about any recommended follow-up care. We can share relevant observations from the stay; your veterinarian should advise on diagnosis or treatment.

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Related: Get started  |  Contact the Ranch  |  Back to the guide

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Transportation and booking questions

Make the travel and handoff details part of the care plan. Confirm service availability, timing and the current reservation terms for your dates.

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Is transportation available for daycare and boarding

Yes. Our pickup and drop-off transportation serves both daycare and boarding guests on weekday morning routes. One-way or both-way arrangements depend on your address, the route and availability. Contact us when booking to confirm the service area, ride details and charges.

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Confirm both pickup and return timing, especially if your plans depend on a ride home after daycare. Mention travel-related concerns, mobility needs or handling sensitivities when arranging the service.

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What should I confirm before a transportation pickup

Confirm the pickup and return locations, timing or window, the handoff person and the best contact number for the day. Ask how food, medication and belongings should be packed, and make sure the care instructions have reached the team.

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Have your dog in a comfortable harness, not just a collar. Our transportation safety system fastens securely to the harness for the road trip. If the address, timing or handoff person changes, contact us to update the plan. Tell us ahead of time if your dog finds car travel difficult.

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Will I receive photos of my dog

We take pictures when possible and send them by text or email. Caring for the dogs comes first, so we cannot guarantee a photo of every dog or promise a daily photo schedule. Confirm your current contact details with the team.

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Where can I find current rates hours and reservation terms

See Pricing and Hours and confirm the details for your dates. The Ranch is open on Sundays, but confirm the reception and handoff hours for your dates. Arrange arrival and pickup with the team when booking; holiday schedules may differ. Ask for the full cost of the stay or daycare visits, including transportation and any requested services.

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Before finalizing plans, review the current deposit, cancellation and pickup terms. Keeping these details with your reservation gives you one place to check the arrangements.

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Where is the Ranch and how can I reach you

Dog Dude Ranch is at 6305 SW 120 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33183, in Miami Horse Country. Call or text (305) 702-0475, or email info@dogduderanchmiami.com. For a first visit or tour, contact us to arrange the details rather than assuming drop-in availability.

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Related: Pricing and hours  |  Transportation  |  Get started  |  Contact the Ranch  |  Back to the guide

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A Note About Our Care:

This catalog describes Dog Dude Ranch’s care philosophy, services and general practices. Our observations reflect our hands-on experience, not a guarantee that every dog will respond in the same way. Activities and accommodations depend on each dog’s needs, weather conditions and availability, as explained throughout this guide. Our cleaning, vaccination and care practices do not eliminate every risk of illness or injury. Health-related information is general and does not replace individualized veterinary advice. Please discuss your dog’s needs and any requested accommodations with us before booking. We welcome questions and are happy to clarify what you can expect during your dog’s stay.